Katsuma Akitsugi returns December 12 against Aston Palicte on ProBox TV

Katsuma Akitsugi doesn’t worry about names or records—if there’s a fight, he’s ready to take it, and his resume proves that.

The undefeated bantamweight Akitsugi who has built his career on short-notice victories against tough opponents, will return to the ring on Wednesday Night Fights, live on ProBox TV. Akitsugi faces former title challenger Aston Palicte in a 10-round bout at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida on December 12.

Akitsugi holds a perfect record of 11-0 (2 KOs), but his résumé speaks louder than the numbers. The 27-year-old Akitsugi has defeated four undefeated fighters, often stepping in as the underdog on the dreaded “B-side.” Training out of Wild Card Boxing in Hollywood, California, Akitsugi has earned recognition for taking on competition near the level of current titleholders, frequently on short notice.

Between October 2021 and April 2022, Akitsugi went on a three-fight tear, defeating decorated amateur Eros Correa, upsetting Philadelphia prospect Rasheen Brown, and securing a unanimous decision over Gregory Morales on a Golden Boy Promotions card in Morales’ hometown. Prior to that, in February 2021, Akitsugi edged Arnold Dinong with a split-decision victory. Dinong, a respected prospect trained by Bruno Escalante and Mike Bazzel, further cemented Akitsugi’s reputation as a fearless competitor.

“We just want to fight anybody, whoever is available to fight,” said Akitsugi’s trainer, Eddie Hernandez. “It’s been great having a full camp this time. It makes a big difference—you can focus on the specifics.”

The bout marks Akitsugi’s second fight of the year, following a July stoppage victory over Jesus Ramirez Rubio in his bantamweight debut. Akitsugi and his team are eyeing a spot in the title picture in 2025, though he’s yet to break into the top-15 rankings of any sanctioning body. A win on Wednesday he hopes changes that.

Palicte, holds a record of 28-5-1 (23 KOs), 33, brings veteran experience to the ring. The Filipino fighter Palicte has competed for world titles at junior bantamweight, including a draw against Donnie Nietes in 2018 and a stoppage loss to Kazuto Ioka in 2019. Palicte has been out of the ring for over a year following back-to-back stoppage losses but remains a dangerous test for Akitsugi.

“We’ve sparred with him before here at Wild Card,” Hernandez said. “He’s a good fighter. He’s tall, knows how to keep the distance, and brings experience.”